A constituent services representative for U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Tiffany Settles, stopped in the Oakland Public Library last week to spend time with local citizens.

Those on-hand discussed many issues with Tiffany, including local and regional subjects. Library Director Rosa Schmidt filled her in on the upcoming expansion of the library. The prospect of a new community center in Oakland was also mentioned along with the addition of the Dollar Store in Oakland.

Patty Plugge, Executive Director of the Burt County Economic Development Corporation discussed housing in rural areas and her concern about the workforce. She also praised libraries and what they offer to their communities. “People who say there isn’t a need for libraries are wrong,” Patty stated. Rosa discussed how the Oakland Library helps those looking for jobs. “We assist them in searching for jobs in the area and helping them to fill out their applications,” she said.

As far as housing in local communities, Patty had some information to share. “In order to make more housing work, the community has to come together,” Patty stated.

Housing for senior citizens has become an issue, with some housing units now allowing people of any age to live in them, thus changing the dynamics of the housing. “Some communities have housing just for senior citizens. When we have seniors and others in the same building, problems arise, but not when it is just seniors,” Patty said.

Tiffany also mentioned a bill that Senator Deb Fischer recently had passed, the Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. December 12, 2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of Boys Town. In honor of this occasion, anniversary coins will be produced to sell 50,000 $5 gold coins, 350,000 $1 silver coins and 300,000 clad half-dollar coins. “The coins will be produced at no cost to taxpayers and available from 2017-2018,” Tiffany stated.

Other states have found their initiatives to expand Medicaid similar to Nebraska’s LB 472, the Medicaid Redesign Act, have produced significant budget savings. Providing health insurance for low-income, working Nebraskans will result in state budget savings and economic growth.

Kentucky estimates their expanded Medicaid program will result in net state budget savings of $820 million from state fiscal year 2014 to state fiscal year 2021. And Arkansas estimates savings of $370 million during that time.

The savings Kentucky and Arkansas realized are available to all states. Providing health insurance coverage in LB 472 through private premiums and federal contributions will result in less need for state-funded mental and behavioral health programs. Other current specialized Medicaid programs would be to initiatives where the federal government is providing a greater contribution. Nebraska’s corrections program would achieve savings from released inmates receiving needed mental health and substance abuse treatment resulting in fewer reoffenders.

Research found that Connecticut, New Mexico, and Washington also realized budget savings in the first year of expanded Medicaid programs.

A recent University of Nebraska-Kearney study finds that over the next 10 years LB 472 would result in $1.5 billion savings in state spending (a conservative estimate; the experiences of other states argues it may be more) while bringing in more than $2 billion in federal Medicaid funding to Nebraska. LB 472 is estimated to result in $5 billion in economic activity to Nebraska.

LB 472 is not a budget buster and will result in economic growth to Nebraska.

Kraft Foods and Heinz Merge, Two of the biggest names in packaged foods—Kraft and Heinz—are merging in a deal orchestrated by Warren Buffett and Brazilian private-equity firm 3G Capital Partners L.P., creating one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. Heinz shareholders will hold a 51% stake in the combined company, while Kraft shareholders will hold a 49% ownership stake. Kraft shareholders also will receive a special dividend of $16.50 a share, representing 27% of Kraft’s closing price on Tuesday. More here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/kraft-foods-h-j-heinz-to-merge-1427278332?KEYWORDS=kraft+foods

Seeing mostly consolidation type trading heading in to the USDA report on Tuesday at 11am. The Planting intentions report can be a market mover, in which direction remains to be seen. It may be wise to place a “stretch” offer (higher than normal offer) ahead of the report, in hopes to capitalize on any post report market reactions.

Corn

Traders await tomorrows USDA numbers, will USDA raise or lower their corn planted acreage estimate of 89 million? Most traders are unsure, and this lack of commitment leaves the market range bound. Versus the alternative of having the anticipated result “built into the market.” It is likely any change in USDA’s numbers will cause a shift in the market.

Beans

Similar to corn, awaiting USDA data, USDA currently at 83.7 million. Seems traders have more of an opinion on beans, thinking USDA may add 2 or 3 million more acres. This is likely bearish, but we will have to wait and see. If you are concerned about a drop in bean prices, consider a minimum price/floor strategy.

Wheat

I don’t normally cover wheat, however a lot of talk of wheat prices reaching new highs, possibly even double some say. Bad crops in Russia, and Ukraine, together with a rising U.S. dollar, could cut inventories further, pushing prices sharply higher. Wheat currently up .19

For Fun

With Easter just around the corner did you know 70% of Easter candy purchased is chocolate? Though I love chocolate, I think that number is skewed a bit, because we are buying huge chocolate bunnies, and in many cases the chocolate tastes terrible and a portion gets tossed….it’s all about presentation for the Easter basket right?!? You might also know that 76% of people eat the ears off of the bunny first.

Personally I am about the Jelly Beans, and though my wife thinks I am weird….I like the spice jelly beans. If you like Jelly Beans as well, here are some interesting fun facts:

The origin of jelly beans is kind of a mystery, but they’re thought to be a descendant of Turkish Delight or Jordan Almonds.

The modern day jelly bean was promoted to Union Soldiers during the Civil War.

To create the hard outer shell of a jelly bean and keep the inside gooey, a process is used called “panning.”

In the early 20thcentury, “jelly bean” was a slang term for a man who put forth great effort to dress stylishly.

Jelly beans became a regular penny candy in the 1900s and were the first confection to be sold by weight rather than price.

Each color of jelly bean used to be sold separately.

In the 1930s, Easter became the most popular time for jelly bean consumption.

Jelly beans were President Reagan’s favorite candy and for his first inauguration, 7,000 pounds of jelly beans were ordered and distributed. (Jelly Belly created a new flavor, Blueberry, specifically for the event.)

It can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to make a jelly bean.

In 35 jelly beans, there are about 130 calories and 37 grams of sugar.

Once again the Swedish Heritage Center is buzzing. Sunday, April 12th, we are preparing to serve a delicious breakfast brunch, with an assortment of breakfast casseroles, fruit, juice, nut breads and of coarse Ostakaka for dessert. The brunch will be held at the Swedish Heritage Center in Oakland and the hours are 11:00 till 1:00. A free will donation will be taken for the brunch. Following the brunch we are happy to have back to preform will be Darrel Draper from the Nebraska Department of Humanities. Darrel entertained us last time as the character Teddy Roosevelt. This time he is depicting the character “Peter Sarpy”, who was a pioneer, furtrader and namesake of Sarpy County, Nebr. Darrel is dressed in period costume and speaks in his native French accent. “Peter Sarpy” describes the transformation of Nebraska from a French colony to statehood. This program is also a free will donation. Please mark your calendar to come enjoy and support the Swedish Heritage Center.

We would also like to thank all those who attended our “Frozen” sing a long movie event. The kids had a great time with our lovely Anna, great “Frozen” treats and a variety of crafts. It was great to hear the kids sing their favorite songs from one of the most popular movies.

Our membership drive is in full gear. Please give generously as our only income is from your donations. Your gift is tax deductible as we are a 501 (C)(3) status. Membership letters are being mailed this week. If you didn’t receive a letter but would like to donate or give a memorial in memory of a loved one, please mail your gift to Joanne Peterson 1200 E 3rd St Oakland, Ne 68045 Make your checks to Swedish Heritage Center. Thank you for all your support and happy spring. Watch the gardens, they are coming to life.

MARJORIE G. (MILLER) BONNEAU, the fourth child of Argie J. and Grace (McMullin) Miller, was born on their farm near Craig, Nebraska, on March 23, 1914. She passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Pathfinder Place in Fremont, Nebraska.

Marjorie attended Craig Public School, graduating in May 1932. She attended Wayne State College, earning an Associate Degree, and finished with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. She greatly enjoyed teaching children at Alder Grove Rural School, Craig Public School and Fremont Elementary Public Schools.

On August 18, 1940, she married F. Guyet Bonneau and together they raised their five children. She loved music, teaching and being a “Mom”. She was a lifelong Methodist and had belonged to Fremont First, St. Paul in Omaha, Trinity in West Point and was again a current member of the Craig United Methodist Church, where she had been confirmed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy in 1986; her parents; three sisters; three brothers; one grandson, Sam Bonneau; and a special niece, Doris Merriman.

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